The new submission system does away with the button mashing mechanics of old in favor of a camera-stick controlled option that offers more freedom and cuts down on chance. Gamers can actively choose to put opponents in four different submission holds, each with unique results that play into the strategy of bouts. A submit hold will drain an opponent's physical strength; a drain will deplete their stamina; a taunt will cut down on their spirit and a rest hold will help gamers regain some of their wrestler's stamina. These moves are performed by selecting up, right, left and down respectively on the camera stick after the wrestlers go into a submission. Readers can probably see how these different submissions have a profound bearing on each match, but we'll spell it out for those who don't. If, for instance, a wrestler's stamina is extremely low, he can put an opponent into a submission rest hold to gain some back. Meanwhile, a taunt submission will make it more difficult for an opponent to pin a gamer's wrestler.

Yuke's has made the submission system fun for multiple players, too, for even as the first gamer puts a wrestler into a hold, the second can try to guess what type of submission is being executed. If they guess correctly, they'll immediately break the hold and there may even be reverse drainage. It's a really cool and well-balanced setup that adds a lot to the gameplay dynamic.

Even when matches seem to be over, there's always the chance that gamers can turn everything around with a momentum shift. Players are allowed one per match so if they mess it up, it's all over. However, with correct timing, it's possible to go from having almost nil to near full stamina in a single move, and as a result a seemingly done for wrestler will be once more rearing to go. The move, undoubtedly inspired by countless Hulk Hogan revivals in years past, adds yet another layer of welcomed complexity and unpredictability to bouts.

During Tag Team play, there is even a bit of fun team management, albeit not terribly deep. Whenever gamers try to pin an opponent, their rival's teammate will jump in the ring to stop the move. However, players can with the Z button and D-Pad call upon their teammate to take down a rival as they attempt to pin an opponent, to knock down the referee, or to double team a wrestler. Again, strategy comes into play and it works very well for satisfying and entertaining results.

Clearly, we like the way DoR 2 plays, but it's not perfect. As far as wrestling games have come over the years, the game recreations of wrestlers have yet to equal the agility or speed of their real-life counterparts. Meanwhile, when playing against computer-controlled opponents, AI can be slow to react. Occasionally, it will simply stare at a fallen opponent, waiting for him to get up. Sometimes, an AI teammate will accidentally punch or kick a gamer's wrestler. Most frustrating of all, though, is that wrestlers sometimes face the wrong direction after recovering from a beating, leaving them open to more attack. We realize we can redirect them with the camera stick, but by the time we do that it's too late. Luckily, most of the issues are minimal and do not detract from the otherwise enjoyable experience.

Coming to LifeWWE Day of Reckoning 2 is one of the best looking wrestling games to hit the market yet. Last year's game was already a step in the right direction by Yuke's, as it brought more lifelike wrestlers and environments to the table. The sequel makes some notable visual enhancements all the same. Wrestler models have undergone significant polygon count leaps, and as a result the soft, almost cartoony look of last year's pros has been replaced by more realistic, defined characters. According to THQ, many of the added polygons have gone to the heads of these wrestlers, quite literally. Players will immediately notice in close-up shots that faces of wrestlers now come to life with protruding geometry, inset eyes and even mouths that open to reveal teeth within. It sounds eerie, but it all looks fantastic. Yuke's has likewise paid attention to the little details, ensuring that every last tattoo is accurately reflected on the arms and chests of athletes and that their skin is covered in a believable sweaty sheen.

Readers would be well suited to head over to our video section and see some of the wrestler entrances for themselves. We think most gamers will be extremely pleased with what Yuke's has accomplished. Some entrances are slightly off. For instance, Batista lacks his proper pyrotechnics, but for the most part the developer nailed it. The models look outstanding and animate more fluidly than ever before. Meanwhile, as they make their way to the stage, they are engulfed in a series of graphic effects, from strobes (with real-time environmental lighting) to fireworks and even a thick fog, which naturally accompanies the Undertaker's walk. Eddie Guerrero rolls into the arenas in his lowrider, hydraulics lifting the car to the left and right again, and it looks spot-on.

Yuke's has seriously improved the look and animation of the arena crowds, which surround the ring, chanting and screaming realistically during matches. The crowd models are more varied and the stadium seating seemingly bigger and more lifelike than we can remember. It's an impressive enhancement, to be sure. Finally, a number of smaller, but nevertheless important visual additions go a long way. For instance, sweat splatters off the faces and bodies of wrestlers when they take a hard hit or kick and the mat becomes stained with various degrees of blood when bouts get rough.

There are some visual shortcomings, however. Video displayed on the Titantron appears to be overly compressed as wrestlers take the stage. Meanwhile, due to the size differences of Superstars, especially where created characters are concerned, players are bound to encounter polygonal clipping during some matches, particularly during holds. Also, for some stupid reason, Yuke's continues to deny GameCube owners a progressive-scan mode despite the fact that it would certainly make the game look even better on high-definition televisions.

The Verdict

WWE Day of Reckoning 2 is the best wrestling game to hit GameCube yet. So if you liked last year's version, you're going to like this one even more. It's not a title without problems. Namely, the story mode is frustratingly hampered by the fact that you can't import your created wrestler from the original, and the lack of spoken dialogue puts a dent in presentation. Meanwhile, the roster, while certainly solid, is not quite up to snuff with some competing wrestling games. But even so, there's a lot to like about this latest entry to the series. The control mechanics, already solidly grapple-heavy and speedy, are made more intuitive still by a strategic synergy between stamina and submission systems, and complemented again by a fun momentum shift. The result is a wrestling game with less button mashing and more strategy. Add in the fact that DoR 2 is mostly beautiful and it's clear that Yuke's has largely delivered. Whether you're a diehard wrestling fan or just someone looking for a fun multiplayer experience, DoR 2 is worth your attention.

8GraphicsFar and away the prettiest wrestler on GameCube. Gorgeous character models with fluid animation. Improved arenas and crowds. Lighting and particle effects. Some compressed video and model clipping.

7SoundA fitting selection of metal-style guitar riffs and licensed music from largely unknown hardcore bands. But the lack of spoken voice is a real misstep.

8GameplayFast and intuitive. The light and heavy grapple system works great and the new stamina/submission/momentum shift systems eliminate button mashing and add strategy.

9Lasting AppealA robust single-player experience goes hand-in-hand with a wide selection of multiplayer-ready exhibition matches that can be enjoyed for months on end.